Difference Between a Dentist and Orthodontist

While many people use the terms interchangeably, there is actually a big difference between a dentist and an orthodontist that boils down to experience, education, and specialty. While both begin with a similar educational background, orthodontists choose to continue their training to become specialists in orthodontics, an area of dentistry focusing on correcting occlusion, bites, and the straightness of teeth.

Orthodontic Training

After earning a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree, a dentist must complete a two- to three-year residency in orthodontics at a university-affiliated program approved by the American Dental Association. This means to specialize in orthodontics, an orthodontist completes up to three additional years of education and training.

While some dentists complete additional training over a few weekends to offer some orthodontic treatments, they do not have the knowledge, education, and skill necessary to diagnose and treat serious orthodontic issues correctly. More often, a dentist will refer someone in need of orthodontic treatments and procedures to an orthodontist as these treatments will be outside of the dentist’s area of expertise.

What Do Orthodontists Treat?

Orthodontists treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues, typically with special orthodontic devices like Invisalign, traditional braces, retainers, and expanders. The following are some of the most common orthodontic issues we see at our office.

Underbite. This gives a “bulldog” appearance as the upper teeth are pushed too far back or the lower teeth are too far forward.

Overbite. Also called “buck teeth,” this happens when the upper front teeth stick out over the bottom teeth.

Openbite. This occurs when there is space between the biting surfaces of the side or front teeth when the back teeth bite down.

Crossbite. This happens when the upper teeth don’t come down a bit in front of the lower teeth when biting.

Misplacedmidline. This occurs when the center of the upper teeth does not align with the center of the lower front teeth.

Crowding. This ocurs when the dental ridge can’t accommodate the teeth.

Spacing. Spacing happens when there are gaps between the teeth due to teeth that don’t fill the mouth or teeth that are missing.

Understanding Orthodontic Treatments

To correct these issues, an orthodontist may use a variety of appliances to retrain the muscles, move the teeth, and change the growth of the jaws. Orthodontic appliances apply gentle pressure on the jaws and teeth to make changes over time. Several factors will determine the orthodontic approach that is best for you, including the type of orthodontic issue you have and the severity of the problem.

Traditional braces are most common fixed orthodontic appliance. Braces are made up of wires, bands, and/or brackets. The bands are fixed around the teeth and become anchors for the device, while brackets are usually bonded to the front of the teeth. Arch wires pass through brackets and attach to bands. Monthly follow-up appointments are necessary to tighten the wire and put the correct amount of tension on the teeth to move them to the right position. Depending on the severity of the problem, braces may need to be used for months or a few years.

Aligners are a popular alternative to braces for adults. Invisalign is the most popular type of aligner and it works through a series of custom-made aligners, which resemble transparent trays, that slowly move the teeth in the same way as fixed braces. Unlike braces, Invisalign uses no metal wire or brackets. The aligners are almost invisible and they can be removed for flossing, brushing, and eating for greater comfort.

Other appliances that may be used include:

Fixed appliances to control thumb sucking, which are attached to the teeth with bands.

Space maintainers, which are used to keep a space open after a baby tooth falls out until the permanent tooth comes in.

Splints, or jaw repositioning appliances, which may be worn on the top or lower jaw. These devices train the jaw to close in a better position. Splints are commonly used to treat TMJ.

Retainers are worn on the roof of the mouth to keep the teeth from shifting back to the previous and incorrect position.

Headgear is a device that includes a strap that’s placed around the back of the head and attaches to a wire in the front. Headgear works to slow the growth of the upper jaw while holding the back teeth in position so the front teeth can be pulled back.

The Value of an Orthodontic Specialist

Orthodontists are specialists in diagnosing and treating teeth and jaw alignment issues. If you have a dental problem in these areas that requires braces, retainers, Invisalign, or other corrective appliances, it’s best to see a specialist. After all, you wouldn’t see your primary care physician for a complex vision problem.

Dr. Papandrea says one in a million he is a wonderful orthodontist very patient very kind explains everything in detail I would recommend him to any one of my family members. He did an amazing job with my son's braces the staff is also very helpful. He made the whole process very easy. Thank you dr. Papandrea is for everything you have done for my son and his confidence with his teeth. Sincerely, Stacy

The second I walked in for the first time, I knew I was in good hands. I was greeted by the friendly smile of the woman at the front desk where she then showed me how to check in whenever I come. My mom and I met with Dr. P and he examined me and decided what would work the best for me personally. He was very straightforward with everything and always had a sense of humor. After starting treatment they were very exact with their instructions and everybody politely answered every question my mom and I may have had. It was incredible to see what Dr. P’s office is capable of and everything that goes into orthodontics and how much pride they all take in their work. I specifically went to Dr. P because of his reputation with Invisalign and I know I was getting the best care available and my results reflect that perfectly. Not only is Dr. P amazing, but so is his entire staff. The woman in charge of financing was very helpful and my mom always said how nice she was. Dr. P's assistants are all so energetic and are always wondering what is going on in my life with high school and sports. Everybody always made me feel like I was at home and I always found myself laughing. The office itself is always decorated according to what is going on at the time whether it is around a holiday or the Warriors happen to blow a 3-1 lead or the Indians make it to the World Series and the music the office plays is always very enjoyable, nothing ever annoying. Overall, I can’t imagine myself having gone anywhere else and I can honestly say I tell all my friends to go to Dr. P as well.

Dr. Papandreas always took personal care of me throughtout my use of Invisalign. He was true to his word and his expertise gave me the smile I wanted without traditional braces. I highly recommend him.